All for a Cowboy. Jeannie Watt

looked up to see Miranda studying her intently. “If you see this through, I’ll make it worth your while.”

      “How?”

      “First of all, let’s address what I want. I want a satisfactory proposal for a unique guest property that I can have up and running by early summer next year. The emphasis is on unique. Something my other two ranches don’t offer. I want to use the existing structures—the cabins, the bunkhouse, the bathhouse.”

      A reiteration of what they’d agreed upon less than a week ago, so Shae simply nodded.

      “It’s more important than ever that this proposal be viable.” There was a steely note in Miranda’s voice, very much like the one in Jordan’s earlier that day when he’d asked if Miranda was at the ranch.

      “I understand,” Shae said. Miranda’s initial I’ll-see-what-you-can-do-before-I-commit attitude had changed radically now that Jordan had become involved.

      “Jordan must know that I’m not backing down. I will use the High Camp as I see fit. Hank wanted me to have the rights and I’ll exercise them.”

      Shae’s stomach was starting to knot at Miranda’s adamancy, but if anyone could go face-to-face with Jordan, it was her. She’d already done it once and survived.

      “If he can live with the changes, he can stay. I don’t care,” Miranda said matter-of-factly.

      But it was pretty obvious she did care, and after hearing what she had to say, and seeing Jordan’s reaction to her, Shae understood. Jordan’s hatred had been palpable and it had to be unnerving for Miranda to have him nearby.

      “Do I need to be concerned about being at the High Camp alone with him?” Shae asked.

      “Not after I get done. I plan on meeting with my stepson. Straightening out a few legal issues. After that, you’ll be fine. Now...let’s talk compensation.”

      “Yes,” Shae said, meeting Miranda’s gaze full-on, figuring if she didn’t go for the brass ring now, she might never get another chance. “If I see this through successfully and Jordan...comes to accept the situation...I’d like my old job back.”

      “That can be done.”

      “And I’d like to have a contract of employment instead of working at will.”

      Miranda tilted her head, a small smile forming on her thin lips as she studied Shae. “That’s a possibility, as long as everything at the High Camp works out in a satisfactory manner.”

      “You want Jordan gone,” Shae said, finally addressing the elephant in the room.

      Miranda smiled, setting down her still half-full glass and standing. “If you can do that, you can have a job for life. However, I will not put that burden on you. All I want is a viable proposal in which Jordan’s occupancy of the ranch does not interfere.”